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I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle

A Zen teacher saw five of his students returning from the market, riding their bicycles. When they arrived at the monastery and had dismounted, the teacher asked the students, “Why are you riding your bicycles?”

The first student replied, “The bicycle is carrying this sack of potatoes. I am glad that I do not have to carry them on my back!” The teacher praised the first student, “You are a smart boy! When you grow old, you will not walk hunched over like I do.”

The second student replied, “I love to watch the trees and fields pass by as I roll down the path!” The teacher commended the second student, “Your eyes are open, and you see the world.”

The third student replied, “When I ride my bicycle, I am content to chant nam myoho renge kyo.” The teacher gave his praise to the third student, “Your mind will roll with the ease of a newly trued wheel.”

The fourth student replied, “Riding my bicycle, I live in harmony with all sentient beings.” The teacher was pleased and said to the fourth student, “You are riding on the golden path of non-harming.”

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One thought on “I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle ”

Don Hudsonsays:

A perfect story to wake up to and read first thing. Don’t we often try to justify our actions when we really do not need to at all? We do this internally and externally to keep up the false images of ourselves to others and to ourselves when really it doesn’t matter. Think of a two year old child. She does not ride her pokie bike or tricycle to prove anything. Its just fun. He does not do it to learn anything or please anyone. He nor she has not yet been damaged by fear. When all is love there is neither good nor bad, when there’s only love, the truth is found even in riding a bicycle.